Security has been intensified at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border after Haryana Police removed concrete barricades on Thursday morning, further restricting the movement of protesting farmers. The police deployed bulldozers to clear the obstacles as part of an operation to reopen the highway.
On Wednesday evening, Punjab Police dismantled the protest site, where farmers had been demonstrating over various demands. According to Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh, the operation was conducted peacefully, without the use of force, as farmers cooperated with authorities.
“Farmers had been protesting at the Shambhu Border for a long time. Today, in the presence of Duty Magistrates, police cleared the area after issuing proper warnings. Some farmers voluntarily chose to leave, and they were sent home on buses,” SSP Singh told ANI.
He further added that Haryana Police would initiate similar actions, ensuring the highway reopens soon.
The removal of farmers and the detention of key leaders—including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite fast, and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher—triggered strong reactions from farmer unions and political leaders.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait condemned the Punjab government’s actions, calling it a betrayal of ongoing negotiations.
“On one hand, the government is holding talks with farmer organizations, and on the other, it is arresting them. We strongly condemn this action, and all farmer organizations are prepared for further struggle,” Tikait posted on X.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi accused the government of attacking farmers under a conspiracy.
“Farmers are being deceived. A meeting was scheduled for May 4, yet they were forcefully removed. The real roadblock is the government, not the farmers. They only want to march to Delhi,” Channi asserted.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Fatehjung Singh Bajwa criticized Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of manipulating the situation for political gains.
“The BJP stands with Punjab’s farmers. But to secure a Rajya Sabha seat for Arvind Kejriwal and win the Ludhiana West by-election, they detained farmer leaders. This is political opportunism,” Bajwa said.
Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the police intervention, emphasizing the need to clear the borders for economic activity.
“The AAP government has always supported farmers, but blocking roads for over a year has hurt Punjab’s economy. Youth need employment, and businesses need open roads. The farmers’ demands are against the central government, so they should protest in Delhi, not in Punjab,” Cheema stated.
As tensions continue to rise, farmers and opposition leaders remain defiant, signaling that the agitation is far from over.
